City (novel)

City is a science fiction fix-up novel by Clifford D. Simak, originally published as a series of connected short stories in Astounding Science Fiction between 1944 and 1951, and later collected into a single volume in 1952. It is notable for its unique structure, its pacifist themes, its exploration of the relationship between humans and dogs, and its ultimate vision of the abandonment of Earth by humanity.

The novel is framed as a series of "Legends" compiled by dogs, long after humans have departed and dogs have inherited the Earth. These legends tell of the Websters, a family whose actions and inventions inadvertently shape the future of both humans and dogs. These stories are presented as myths and folklore, often with unreliable or incomplete accounts of events. The dogs themselves debate the accuracy and meaning of the legends, adding a layer of metafiction and interpretation.

Key themes explored in City include:

• Pacifism: The novel strongly advocates for non-violence and cooperation, depicting a future where war becomes obsolete.
• Human-Dog Relationship: City envisions a deep and evolving relationship between humans and dogs, eventually leading to dogs possessing human-like intelligence and abilities.
• Abandonment of Urbanization: The novel proposes a future where humans reject city life in favor of a more rural and individualistic existence, aided by technological advancements.
• The Nature of Progress: City questions the traditional notion of progress, suggesting that true advancement lies not in technological innovation alone, but in ethical and social development.
• Transcendence: The ultimate fate of humanity in City involves a form of transcendence, abandoning physical form in favor of a more ethereal existence on Jupiter.

City is considered a classic of science fiction and is often cited for its originality and its enduring themes. It won the International Fantasy Award in 1952 and has remained in print ever since.